U Minh — Ho Van Luc slips through a tangled thicket of jungle, graceful as a
dancer. A blanket of dried bamboo and melaleuca leaves on the forest floor
barely crackles beneath his bare feet. Only the smell of cigarette smoke
betrays his presence.

As the slaughter of the remaining elephants in Africa continues without
interruption, elephants in Vietnam—without media attention and a pack of NGOs
calling for their protection—are quietly disappearing.

The latest report by international wildlife trade monitoring network Traffic
has claimed the record-high rhino poaching in South Africa is being fed by a
surging demand from Vietnam, identifying the country as the main market for
rhino horn.

JOHANNESBURG — A delegation from Vietnam will next week visit South Africa
to discuss ways to stem the growth rhino poaching, with nearly 300 animals
killed so far this year, the government said Friday.

A giant turtle which is considered a sacred symbol of Vietnam surfaces at
Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi, 08 March 2011. Hundreds people including tourists
gathered around the lake to watch rescuers trying to capture the giant turtle
for medical treatment. Residents believe the giant turtle brings luck because
it is said that a giant turtle lent King Le Loi a magical sword, with which he
was able to defeat the Chinese invaders in 1427